"We listen, learn, and share in appreciation of being alive. We are not perfect, but we believe this is how it starts..." HocTok Team

- Here & Now -

America

by Walt Whitman

Centre of equal daughters, equal sons,
All, all alike endear’d, grown, ungrown, young or old,
Strong, ample, fair, enduring, capable, rich,
Perennial with the Earth, with Freedom, Law and Love,
A grand, sane, towering, seated Mother,
Chair’d in the adamant of Time.

Photo credit: Brett Sayles

On My Own

Shamir

Shamir is a multihyphenate artist  whose newest song On My Own has captivated many including us. His sound and lyrics are everything at this moment in time. Listen to his entire output. You’ll have plenty of reasons to fall in love with Shamir’s talent and appreciate the introvert with a big heart whose natural ability to connect with the wide world is easily felt through his music.
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​We are looking forward to his newest album scheduled for release in the fall. Until then, let Shamir's On My Own set the mood for the days ahead and read our conversation with him here. 

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Photo: courtesy of the artist

Marco Jemolo

Framed

Marco Jemolo is the man behind Framed. He is a filmmaker whose works strike a chord with audiences around the globe. It must have something to do with his grasp of reality and his original renderings of storylines that connect us all. 

​Our conversation with Marco highlights a few definitive characteristics of a modern day visionary with timeless ideas and a serious level of determination. Marco enjoys communicating and sharing the spotlight with his collaborators. He wants everyone who works with him to feel inspired and involved. He creates works that have meaning and are easily embraced by many. Get to know Marco Jemolo through his passions, plans and new friendships. 

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A Jazz Musician's Life in Lockdown & Beyond

Kerry Politzer

Kerry Politzer is a Portland-based jazz pianist, composer, educator and mom. She is part of the music faculty at Portland State University and University of Portland. It is not surprising that music is the epicenter of her life especially during these difficult days. In recent weeks, Kerry's main activities have included making and sharing music, staying in touch with her students via Zoom and keeping busy with a project to honor some legendary Brazilian jazz musicians. Although making Jell-O and cutting paper numbers or cooking and taking a walk have also been part of the mix. Finding ways to stay optimistic is a commonly shared goal now. 

​Photo: courtesy of the artist
​Buy and listen to Kerry Politzer's music who has released six albums. Learn more about this talented musician, how she dealt with lockdown restrictions, and what her plans and wishes are for better days ahead. You may end up baking chocolate chip brownies and listening to jazz and that would be nice, wouldn't it? ​

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I'm OK

Elizabeth Hobbs

Elizabeth Hobbs is an animated filmmaker based  in London. She has been creating films for over 20 years. She is also an associate lecturer at Anglia Ruskin University and University of The Arts, London. Her films have been part of several international film festivals and they have earned well deserved attention. I'm Ok is the title of one of Elizabeth's recent films that won a BAFTA nomination in 2019. It is a well done animated short in which colorful animation is perfectly intertwined with music in a simple and effective way inviting us to explore a range of emotions in the face of heartbreak and trauma.
I'm Ok will certainly help you get introduced to the complex and impressive world of Elizabeth Hobbs. Watch more films by Elizabeth Hobbs. It will be an easy and gratifying experience. After all, the filmmaker's goal is to make her practice enjoyable by working on a relatively short project, exploring new materials, ...with room for being playful and making mistakes. I'm Ok in itself is a reassuring statement we want to hear more often. Watch the film and take care of yourself and everyone in your circle without forgetting to be empathetic and helpful to others when given a chance.  First, enjoy our conversation with Elizabeth Hobbs who talks about her work and her take on life right now.

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Words... Fire... ACTION... FIGHT NOW!

by Khari Joyner

...Now more than ever, I implore people to make a TRUE bridge between alliance and intersectionality. Fight for the rights of LGBTQ+, women of color, people with disabilities, people who need YOU to join them in alliance to fight the good fight. It’s a long road, a painful one.. but also we are taking strides.. there is a future, a bright future ahead, when we come together like we are doing today, as ironic as it may seem during a global pandemic… we come together to recognize that we FIGHT WITH WORDS. FIGHT WITH FIRE. FIGHT WITH ACTION… FIGHT NOW.

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Photo: courtesy of the artist

My Beautiful People

by Arisa White

We take solace in the words of our spiritual Goddess, Nina Simone who has said, “An artist's duty, as far as I'm concerned, is to reflect the times.”
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Take a deep breath and read the reflections of one of our favorite poets, Arisa White.

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Photo credit: Samantha Florio

Eric Mack

Digital Emotions

...There’s a lot of creativity, a lot of people doing a lot of great things. But even with that there’s a lot of division. From large scale, to the local division, it’s the core, it kind of impedes growth. The focus should be about closing up the gaps. Working on vices is what slows down growth. Division is something we oughta work on. 
Moving on to a larger scale, love, that what I’d like to see. There’s a lot of separation. A lot of division. Love, I know it’s possible. We are all humans. I want to see more open heart and more understanding. It’s not all about the exterior. Skin doesn’t make a difference. I want people trying to come together. Let’s work together. We have to understand each other a little more. It’s definitely possible.
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Let’s make it happen!

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Finding the Truth Through Writing

Marissa Glover

Marissa Glover is a creator whose work and words are relevant and meaningful, especially because they are sincere and heartfelt. She is a performance poet, an educator, a mother whose world evolves around love. Marissa is talented and busy with numerous projects but none of her achievements or responsibilities have changed her. She remains humble and kind. She is someone you need to listen to if you are at loss of words over what’s going on around you or in the world at large. Enjoy our conversation with her, and take this opportunity to know Marissa Glover. She offers advice and honest opinions that we all need to pay attention to in order to help ourselves and one another. 

Photo: courtesy of the artist
Find a comfortable nook or go out in nature and read something worthy. Get to know Marissa Glover, her poetry, and a sneak peak of her world. You will be inspired and motivated. Read here one of her latest poems and be ready for her forthcoming poetry collection "Let Go of the Hands You Hold". ​

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Future Ruins

Martin Garde Abildgaard

I like to create stories with a timeless feeling which can be understood in different ways, depending on who you are & where you are in your life. Future Ruins, to me, is on one level the story about two souls. About a relationship and how hard, and important, it is to keep relationships alive.
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​On a higher level, the story to me also can be experienced with a great environmental message and is about Mankind and Mother Earth. About our struggle to keep this beautiful planet alive.
We shot the video long before the whole Covid-19 situation, but I totally agree that the story can be interpreted to be about isolation and the state-of-mind we all are in right now. That’s the beauty of working with art, because it can be perceived in so many ways. And I can promise you, that if you watch Future Ruins in seven years from now, it will have a completely new meaning to you again. Martin Garde Abildgaard

Counting the Small Joys & Cherishing Every Day

Jihyun Yun

Photo: courtesy of the artist
Jihyun Yun is a poet and a poetic soul. What she writes is important and enjoyable as it flows from a place of honest feelings and true love. Jihyun is the author of an upcoming publication titled "Some Are Always Hungry". She defines her book as “a love song to my mother and my grandmother and all the women before who I passed through to arrive in this world as I am” and that dedication alone merits attention. Jihyun’s poetry will help you have a good day so read her work and get her book the first chance you get.
 
On this Monday, try to do something nice to help a fellow human being. You'll find it rewarding on many levels. Jihyun Yun concentrates on uplifting fellow late 2019/ 2020 authors who have had their book tours disrupted by the pandemic. 
Whatever battles you are facing, avoid getting stuck in webs of negative energy. Do as Jihyun does and start growing vegetables or start a herb garden instead. Let in the sun and always follow a wise mother’s advice to “be good” each morning. Jihyun Yun's interview and poetry will help you jumpstart your week.
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#NYlights

#NYlights is our series showcasing real New Yorkers who deserve a standing ovation. They are business owners, creators, artists, makers whose realities have turned upside down in recent weeks. Despite the difficult situation and high level of uncertainty, everyone we feature here hopes and does whatever possible to keep the NY Lights on. We need to be reminded of New York's resiliency now more than ever. If you wish to nominate a wonderful New Yorker to be added to our #NYlights, send us a note. Cheers to hope and better days ahead for NYC and the world!

Santo Brúklin

A New Family Owned Restaurant Amidst Shutdown

"Hello. We are Pedro, Naina, and Sara. We are family, friends, transplants, and recently, the new owners of Santo Brúklin. Pedro and Naina grew up as cousins who were more like siblings in Rio de Janeiro and Sara comes from a small town called Sweet Home, Oregon. We met by chance a few years back (Sara & Pedro got married two years ago) and have always had this idea in the back of our minds to open our own bar-restaurant. A few months ago an opportunity came around that we couldn’t resist, and Santo Bruklin was born. 

Santo Brúklin Staff

We opened the same weekend that Governor Cuomo announced the shutdown. We’ve been so fortunate to be welcomed by our new neighbors, and the support from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. We’ve been keeping busy and staying focused on the future - whatever it brings. Staying afloat is not without challenges. Although we love each other’s company, we miss the ease of socializing in NYC. ​​The spontaneous plans with friends; crowding into bars to watch the latest Drag Race episode; days spent exploring new parts of the city - these are things we took for granted and things that we underestimated how much we’d miss. Until then, these brief interactions with our new customers are the light at the end of the tunnel. The humanity and compassion we’ve seen over the past 8 weeks have given us hope that our city will come out of this even stronger than before." #NYClights - May 11, 2020

Make a Lemon Tart and Ponder the Bigger Picture

Pastry Chef Nikolas Strangas

Nicholas Strangas is a passionate dessert chef based in Denmark although originally from Greece. He is an adventurer at heart. He loves experimenting with different ingredients and techniques for some really awesome sweet treats. Maybe getting to know Nicholas Strangas and drooling over his desserts will inspire you to try a new recipe. How about his lemon tart?

Somewhere it's rainy today. It might be cold where you are. Sunny anywhere? Good. Think of a beautiful summer in Mykonos where you may run into Nicholas if things turn back to normal soon. Dream of a trip to Denmark as another great destination and home to Nicholas Strangas. Make the acquaintance of a talented gent who has a great personality and can whip up delicious treats like it's no big deal. ​

Photo: courtesy of the artist
Choose to be in a dessert state of mind and start the week on a sweet note. Enjoy!

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The Fort - a new book for kids of all ages

Laura Perdew

Laura Perdew is a writer, an educator, and also a builder of forts and all kinds of magical worlds. Her most recent book is titled The Fort. It is a great read for kids and parents alike. Buy a copy of Laura’s latest book and begin your own adventures in forts built indoors or outdoors. Be creative and do the best you can with any materials you have around you.
 
Pause worrying about the difficulties we are facing, listen to Laura Perdew’s advice and remind yourself that this is a great opportunity for families to come together to play games, dance, draw, paint, play music, and cook together.  As The Fort’s author says, “Whatever you do – disconnect and be together.”
Before you turn off your computers, tablets, and phones, enjoy Laura Perdew’s interview, and plan your week by getting inspired to build your fort whether on a piece of paper or in the living room. 

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Voice Our Values More Than Our Fears

Francesca Borgo

Francesca Borgo is a visual artist hailing from Trieste. She tells us that art gives her purpose and courage. That’s impressive to hear especially coming from someone like Francesca. Her accumulated professional experiences include a PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience and various jobs in the fields of psychology and later marketing. Francesca Borgo turned to art at a certain point in her life and she has never looked back.  
That begs the question, are the arts helping us during these trying times? How are you coping with everything at the moment? What are some lessons learned from these challenging days? 

Photo: courtesy of the artist
We are all struggling with these questions and more, but it is people like Francesca Borgo who help us find meaning through their work and conversations. Seek a calm state of mind and pin Francesca's words, “I love to think that this crisis will encourage us to give voice to our values much more than to our fears..."

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Patricia Vidal Delgado

The Filmmaker of ​"The Hood": How Do We Cope?

Patricia Vidal Delgado is a young and very passionate filmmaker. She is part of the artist community that makes the world a better place. Her work is sharp. She has a clear understanding of her surroundings and our shared realities. She is not shy to explore and learn. Patricia’s aim is to make films that are thought provoking, but also exciting and intense.
 
Lately, most of us feel like we have entered a hell hole of a phase and the light at the end of the tunnel seems to get farther as soon as we get a lick of good news. Well, don’t despair. We are not alone. We are in this together. The world has insightful creative minds like Patricia Vidal Delgado who are as nice in real life as when they get awards and recognitions. We expect to hear and see more from Patricia. We’ll be here to promote and cheer her on.

Photo: courtesy of the artist
Take Patricia Delgado’s advice and don’t forget that what really matters is the here and now because that is the only thing that is real.

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Greatness...

...my assignment: how do I understand greatness? What will it take to achieve it? And right now, I don't know. I am a little bit overwhelmed by all the usage of "great" "greater" "greatest" or "greatness". I'm tired of hearing these words. Maybe I've heard them said at the wrong time by the wrong people. 
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Maybe deep down I know I'll never do anything great and that's why I don't know what to say about 'greatness'. Maybe that's why I can only focus on small things that can be good and helpful. Maybe I'm more interested in relevance rather than greatness in these days of complete uncertainty. The most relevant actors in today's crazy reality are the ones who will pinpoint the connecting dots of greatness in the name of our common humanity. Those who act decisively and selflessly, keeping their cool under mounting  pressure, will define greatness. We better take note and follow their lead.

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Photo credit: Triangle News

Imagined Realities

Alaba Onajin

​Alaba Onajin is one of the artists chosen for the Women in African History Project by UNESCO. The mission of the project is to educate children in Africa and also the world about the brave women who have helped shaped the progress and growth of the continent. What better choice than a young artist who has passion, vision, and tenacity to keep doing what he loves and forget about the nay sayers and negative energy of any kind.

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Anaïs Duplan

You Will Succeed

Photo credit: Yael Malka
Anaïs Duplan is the type of poet and writer whose works you want to read and re-read until his newest one is published. 

Get acquainted with Anaïs Duplan’s work and you will feel like you have a friend who’ll always keep the conversation flow with what’s true and real, intelligent and clear. At this moment Anaïs believes “getting more in touch with your emotions helps you connect with others in more genuine ways. Intimacy is such a magical thing, and then again, it’s so ordinary! If we can get out of the way of it, it happens so naturally.”

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In Pencil & Paper

Christelle Bilodeau

Christelle Bilodeau’s portfolio includes amazing pencil drawings of some fantastic artists such Paul McCartney, John Lennon, Amy Winehouse, Bob Dylan, Lady Gaga and many more. Her artistry is undeniable and just take a look at her body of work for an introduction to her talent. Christelle’s portraits reflect a high level of precision, plenty of details and that that little something that captivates the essence of each individual who becomes the subject of her art pieces. 

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Amy Winehouse - Before Frank series
Pencils and colored pencils on 15'x20' paper
July 2016

Pencil drawing of Bob Dylan
Graphite pencils on  11'x14' paper
2012

Pencil drawing of Lady Gaga
Graphite pencils on 18'x24' paper
2016